Good News for Ethanol

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Friday ruled 2-1 in favor of the Environmental Protection Agency[2] regulations to allow the distribution of E15 for use in newer vehicles.

The decision argued that in their suit against EPA to stop E15, trade groups representing the automobile, food and other industries did not have sufficient grounds to challenge its use. The decision was applauded by Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association[3] (RFA), a biofuels trade group. RFA says almost two-thirds of all vehicles will be able to use the fuel. However, there are technical matters that still stand in the way of its widespread adoption – most notably, the need for blending tanks at service stations.